What Is Subtraction?

Subtraction means taking away from a group to find what is left. When we subtract, we get a smaller number!

Subtraction Words and Symbols#

• The minus sign (-) tells us to subtract.
• The equals sign (=) shows us the answer (or difference).
• The difference is the answer when you subtract.

For example: 9 - 4 = 5

• 9 is the number you start with
• 4 is the number you take away
• 5 is the difference (what is left)
• We say: "Nine minus four equals five."

Two Ways to Think About Subtraction#

1. Taking Away You have 8 cookies. You eat 3. How many are left? 8 - 3 = 5

You start with 8 and take 3 away. 5 are left.

2. Finding the Difference You have 7 stickers. Your friend has 4. How many more do you have? 7 - 4 = 3

You are comparing the two amounts. The difference is 3.

Everyday Subtraction#

Subtraction happens all the time in real life:

• There are 10 birds on a fence. 6 fly away. How many are left? 10 - 6 = 4
• You have 15 crayons. You lose 5. How many do you have? 15 - 5 = 10
• There are 12 apples. You share 7 with friends. How many are left? 12 - 7 = 5

Subtracting Zero#

When you subtract zero from any number, the number stays the same:

• 9 - 0 = 9
• 14 - 0 = 14

And when you subtract a number from itself, the answer is always zero:

• 8 - 8 = 0
• 13 - 13 = 0

Remember: subtracting zero means taking nothing away. So nothing changes!